Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly involves stabilizing the first fixture of the fixture assembly. The second fixture of the fixture assembly is stabilized. While the second fixture is stabilized, the first fixture is pressurized to cause the first surface of the MEA to separate from the first fixture. While the first fixture is stabilized, the second fixture is pressurized to cause the second surface of the MEA to separate from the second fixture. The second fixture is then moved out of proximity with the first fixture to permit removal of the MEA from the first fixture.

Abstract: A tool for aligning a stator with respect to a crankshaft of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The tool comprises a central hub, a plurality of alignment members, and an actuating device. The central hub has a mating surface configured to secure the central hub to the crankshaft. The alignment members are configured to engage the stator and are slideably mated with the central hub for movement between a first position and a second position. The actuating device moves the plurality of alignment members between the first and second positions. The second position is further away from the crankshaft than the first position. The stator is moved to an aligned position with respect to the crankshaft when the aligning members are at the second position.

Abstract: A head slider of a suspension supports a read/write head for data transfer to and from a data storage disk. A mounting structure is conventionally used for holding the suspension. A positioning finger applies a force to the suspension for and thereby positions a head slider to a static height for simulating the “flying” action of the head slider in the data storage device. A measuring device measures the static height of the head slider and transmits the same to a controller which generates a control strategy for positioning the head slider of the suspension to the fly-height. An embodiment of the invention uses a common mounting assembly for receiving a plurality of suspensions. The use of a common positioning assembly for simultaneously positioning the head sliders of the plurality of suspensions substantially reduces time consumed and improves efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for maintaining proper alignment of a hard disk micro-actuator and magnetic head with respect to a drive arm's suspension during the curing process of the bonding agent used in their coupling.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic head which includes a lower write pole having a projection, an upper write pole having a projection opposed to the projection of the lower write pole, and a magnetic gap interposed between the projection of the upper write pole and the projection of the upper write pole, comprising: a first step of making the magnetic gap on the projection of the lower write pole; a second step of making a non-magnetic material layer on the lower write pole, the non-magnetic material layer having a projection on its top surface in positional alignment with the projection of the lower write pole; a third step of making a mask layer on the non-magnetic material layer, the mask layer having an opening in which the top surface of the projection of the non-magnetic material layer is exposed; a fourth step of making a curved recess in the non-magnetic material layer by isotropically etching the non-magnetic material layer through the opening of the mask layer; a fifth step of making an approxim

Abstract: A weaving apparatus used to separate the tubes of a heat exchanger so that spacers that hold the tubes apart can be inserted between the tubes to increase thermal efficiency. The weaving apparatus includes a frame assembly and a weaving mechanism contained within the frame assembly. The weaving mechanism includes an alignment plate to align the tubes and separation plates to separate the tubes after they have been aligned. The weaving apparatus thus automates the step of separating the tubes of the heat exchanger so that the spacer can ready inserted between the tubes.

Abstract: A tool is described for the backside removal of single pins from a high pin density connector, either from the connector itself or a connector with pins such as compliant pins mounted in plated through vias on a host such as a printed circuit board. A pin is driven from a connector by advancing a sleeve portion to surround the pin and subsequently pushing the pin from the connector using a shaft with a spherical, concave end surface, whereby the pin is radially confined by the sleeve and aligned and driven by the shaft as it is advanced through the sleeve. Where the connector is mounted on a printed circuit board with the pin resident in a plated through via, the sleeve is aligned with and abutting the printed circuit board at the via opening and the shaft is thereafter advanced through and beyond the sleeve to engage, align and drive the pin with the via wall providing radial confinement.

Abstract: Improved drilling and pinning machines and methods for processing elongate flexible e.g. rubber strips of seal material for forming seals about openings. The machines and methods form precisely positioned holes in the rubber strip, and insert pins in the holes. Opposing ends of the pins are ultimately received in cooperating holes in the opening, mounting the seal strip to the opening. Machines and methods of the invention temporarily fix a strip or portion of the seal material to a rigid component of the machine. While the seal material is fixedly held, first and second holes are formed in general alignment with the length of the strip, or a subsequent hole is formed wherein location of the subsequent hole is based on location of a previously-formed hole. The formed holes and/or inserted pins are automatically inspected. The inspection information is forwarded to, and used by, the machine controller.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating microcircuits occupying large areas on substrates capable of withstanding high semiconductor processing temperatures and then transferring the circuits onto large substrates incapable of withstanding the high processing temperatures. The method and system is particularly suitable for fabricating large area displays.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a continuous substrate web, and disposing a pattern of a conductive material on the continuous substrate web to form one or more working electrodes and/or counter electrodes.

Abstract: Removable mask films 303 are formed on the both sides of the substrate having the adhesive layer 302 by applying and drying a resin varnish 304 including a ultraviolet-absorbing agent, and fine through holes 306 are formed by using a third harmonics YAG solid-state laser light with a relatively short wavelength not longer than that in the ultraviolet range in such a way that the effects of such a residual strain as the conventional embodiment forming a removable mask film by a laminating process may be decreased as well as the more fine hole drilling compared with conventional embodiment using the carbon dioxide gas laser with a relatively long wavelength may be performed.

Abstract: The method for producing a printed wiring board comprising the steps of preparing a conductive substrate, forming an insulating layer on one surface of the said substrate, forming at least one via hole in the insulating layer, thermally curing the insulating layer, and reducing at least one oxidized layer formed on the other conductive surface of the substrate during the curing operation. Alternatively, the thermal cure may be accomplished in an atmosphere (e.g., reducing gas, inactive gas, or mixtures thereof) not conducive to oxide formation on metallized circuit surfaces.

Abstract: The method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention mitigates the problem of gold contamination during the SMT assembly operations in the manufacture of Hybrid Multi Chip Modules (HMCM), achieving a high assembly process yield. This target is accomplished by protecting, at the first process step, the gold with a thin layer (0.02-0.03 millimetre) of a paste very soluble in water and washing it off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a restriction in a plate of a heat exchanger includes a gag extending perpendicularly relative to the plate. The apparatus also includes a servo motor operatively connected to the gag and for connection to a source of power for moving the gag for forming a restriction to fluid flow through either one of a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the plate.

Abstract: A tool for stripping the sheath from a cable including a plunger slidably positioned in a housing. A cable opening in the side is provided enabling a user to position the cable between a roller inside the housing and the end surface of the plunger. The end surface of the plunger has a cutter blade that penetrates the sheath of the cable positioned between the roller and the surface of the plunger so that, when the cable is pulled through the cable opening, an axially directed slit is formed in the sheath of the cable enabling the user to peel off the sheath.

Abstract: A cigar cutting device includes a body with an aperture for an insertion of an end of a cigar, and two blades are movably inserted in two open ends of the body. A first end of each of the blades is located in the aperture and a base is connected to a second end of each of the blades. A holding ring is rotatably connected to each of the two bases.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a handle having a barrel, one ends of one or more tool members or of one or more shanks are engageable into detachably secured to the barrel. A sleeve is engaged onto the shank, an insert and one end of one or more saw blades are engaged into the sleeve, and one or more fasteners may detachably secure the saw blades and the insert and the insert to the shank. The tool members and/or the saw blades may be detachably and changeably secured to the barrel, and the saw blades may be changeably and solidly secured to the handle with the sleeve and the insert.

Abstract: A filament trimmer includes a rotatable trimmer head having an outwardly extending filament. The trimmer has an upper handle that the operator can grip to operate the trimmer in either a trim mode or an edge mode. In the trim mode, the filament extending outwardly from the trimmer head is positioned in a generally horizontal cutting plane, while in the edge mode the trimmer is reoriented such that the filament is positioned in a generally vertical cutting plane. The upper handle of the trimmer includes dual triggers for selectively starting and stopping rotation of the trimmer head. One trigger is actuated when the trimmer is operated in the trim mode and the other trigger is actuated when the trimmer is operated in the edge mode.

Abstract: A filament trimmer includes a rotatable trimmer head having an outwardly extending filament. The trimmer has a rear shield and a front wire guard. A cutoff blade is adjustably mounted on the rear shield to move between two different radially inward and outward positions. In the radially outward position, the cutoff blade cuts off the filament at a length in which the filament extends beyond the front guard prior to the filament becoming shortened due to breakage or wear. In the radially inward position, the cutoff blade cuts off the filament at a length in which the filament extends short of the front guard prior to the filament becoming shortened due to breakage or wear.

Abstract: A motorized vegetation trimmer apparatus comprising an elongate main handle to which is connected a motor that rotatably drives a trimmer head located at a distal end of the handle. The trimmer head carries one or more radially outwardly projecting cutting members which cut vegetation as the trimmer head rotates. Each cutting member comprises a finite length of flexible strand. The cutting member is releasably gripped by a one-way gripping mechanism including a reciprocating gripping member and a device for biasing the gripping member into gripping contact with the strand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wienie roaster with prongs that may be folded back. The prongs are pivotly received by a head, and the head is attached at the end of a roaster stalk. The prong has a continuous curve as it enters the head which produces friction to hold the prongs at an adjustable angle away from or towards the roaster stalk. The bore in the head may have beveled, oval-shaped openings, so that the curved base of the prong notches into place in extended and folded back positions. The roaster may also have a tension shoe for applying and distributing pressure on the prongs and a notch in the prongs for receiving the tension shoe. A hole in the top of the head allows lubricant, such as oil or fat from cooking food, to enter the head and lubricate the base of the prong and the tension shoe. The lubrication hole may also be threaded to receive a set screw, which can provide additional pressure to hold the prong in place.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a fat skimming ladle that is efficient and convenient to use for removal of fat and other floating debris off of cooked soup stock. This special purpose ladle retains the simple elegant look of a common soup ladle, and can just as convenient to be used. The conduit structure with inlet located at the interior bottom of the ladle bowl and outlet located behind the proximal end of the handle allows for a simple, elegant and greatly functional design.

Abstract: A coping saw is provided having two spaced-apart rotary actuators supported by a frame. Two saw-blade sections extend between the two rotary actuators and are intended to singularly engage a work piece. The saw is adapted to contain a drive mechanism which is coupled to a first of the two rotary actuators for causing the saw-blade sections to move in at least one direction. At least one guide roller assembly is disposed each of the two saw-blade sections for providing stability and retaining said two-saw blade sections between said two rotary actuators.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless electrical control system for power tool and specifically to a wireless control device for a router. The electrical control system may include a handle suitable for manipulating a router. A switch and a wireless transmitter are disposed in the handle. Communicatively coupled to the transmitter is a wireless receiver capable of receiving the transmissions from the transmitter in the handle. In alternative embodiments the wireless receiver is disposed in the router itself or the receiver is disposed in an outlet unit, which is capable of electrically coupling to the router's electrical cord and an electrical outlet. The wireless receiver of the present invention is capable of controlling the flow of electricity to the electrical system of the router so that the router is capable of being altered from the switch mounted on the handle, thus allowing users to change the power setting while retaining secure control of the router.

Abstract: A can opener with top and circumferential support members attached to each other. A cutting blade is mounted to the circumferential support member and has a blade edge configured for cutting at least a portion of a circumferential can wall of a can. The top and circumferential support members are configured for guiding and the cutting blade along the circumferential can wall and for positioning at least a portion of the blade edge at an angle sufficiently small against the can wall for cutting at least a portion of the wall, while reducing or eliminating binding or tearing of said portion of the wall upon rotation of the can opener against the can by a user.

Abstract: A can opener that has a circumferential support member that is manipulable by a user for axial rotation about a can. The circumferential support member has generally curved inner surface generally corresponding to the shape of the can. A cutting blade is mounted to the circumferential support member and includes a shearing portion configured for shearing at least a shearable portion of a can wall of the can against an opposing portion of the can that faces substantially axially, upon the axial rotation of the circumferential support member about the can.

Abstract: A disposable razor unit having a razor head is assembled with a handle. The handle has attachment means comprising at least one prong which extends outward from the handle. The prong has a tooth on the underside of the end opposite the handle. The razor head has a chamber which receives the attachment means of the handle when the razor head and the handle are fastened together. The chamber has a clearance slot and a locking shoulder at its innermost, central point into which the tooth of the prong fits to fasten the razor head and handle together. The fit between the handle and the razor head is such that the razor head may be removed by a forward force exerted on the top of the chamber by the user; however the fit is sufficient that the handle and the razor head will not become separated by normal forces encountered during shaving.

Abstract: The measurement data fairing method comprises: a fitting interval determination step (S14) for determining an interval in which a geometrical element is to be fitted to measurement data; a geometrical element fitting step (S22) for extracting, from the data, interval measurement data of the fitting interval and robustly fitting the element; an outlier removal step (S24) for removing, on the basis of a result of the robust fitting, outlier from the interval measurement data; a statistic computation step (S26) for computing a statistic of a residual of the interval measurement data after the step (S24); and an invalid data removal step (S28) for removing, as invalid data, measurement data that exceeds a predetermined limit value of the statistic of the residual from the interval measurement data after the step (S24) on the basis of the statistic of the residual computed in the step (S26).

Abstract: A freestanding micrometer and method for determining the diameter of a cylindrical body, including measuring variations in diameter along a longitudinal length thereof, such as a roll used in the production of metal and paper sheet products. The micrometer comprises a housing supported on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. A first sensing element is movably supported by the housing and adapted for sensing a first surface point of the cylindrical body laterally spaced apart from the housing and disposed in a cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. A second sensing element is mounted to the housing for contact with a second surface point of the cylindrical body disposed in the cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. The first and second surface points locate, respectively, a terminal and midpoint of a chord lying in the cross-section plane of the cylindrical body, from which the diameter of the cylindrical body is determined.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system has a carrier including wafer slots. A process robot engages the carrier and installs the carrier into a rotor within a process chamber. The rotor has a tapered or stepped inside surface matching a tapered or stepped outside surface of the carrier. Wafer retainers on the carrier pivot to better secure wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: An breathable rack (10) for storing helmets is provided for use in transportation and storage. The rack (10) includes a frame (18) pivotally mounted on a mounting surface (12) to extend between an open position and an closed position. The rack (10) is secured in the closed position by a snap catch (52). A flexible fabric cover member (16) is secured to the frame (18) to support a helmet (12) therein. A drying subsystem (22) including a fan (60) and heating elements (80) facilitates ventilation during use. The rack (10) is especially adapted for use in trailers or storage sheds.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A fabric softening system comprises a liquid fabric softening composition which is carried in liquid form within a substrate, which is introduced into a rotary clothes dryer with laundered, wet clothing where the softening composition is released into the fabric of the articles of clothing to impart both softening and anti-static properties.

Abstract: A ventilation shoe has a sole and a pad placed on top of the sole and provided with through holes. The sole defines therein a chamber in a rear portion thereof, at least one bore in a side face defining the chamber so as to communicate with the chamber, at least one passage and trenches in a front portion thereof to communicate with the chamber by means of the at least one passage. A pouch is received in the chamber and has at least one inlet communicating with the at least one bore and at least one outlet communicating with the at least one passage. The at least one inlet has a first unidirectional valve and the at least one outlet has a second unidirectional valve. Thereby air is circulated in the sole.

Abstract: A cleated boot attachment system for stalking game and/or for traveling to a fixed position to await game for use with hunting boots.

Abstract: A welted shoe includes a tab member joined with a bent portion of an upper at one end thereof, an insole superimposed on and engaged with the bent portion, and a welt member having a surrounding seat which is interposed between the bent portion and the tab member, a surrounding prop wall disposed to keep the profile of the upper, and an outwardly extending anchored end which is joined with the tab member so as to form a sub-assembly. An outsole is molded with the sub-assembly to underlie the sub-assembly, and extends uprightly to surround completely the welt member and to sealingly abut against the upper to provide a good waterproofing effect.

Abstract: A welted shoe includes an insole disposed within an upper. A welt member underlies a lower peripheral edge portion of the upper and together with a peripheral portion of the insole to form a sandwiched structure which is fastened by uprightly extending fastening members, such as stitches and rivets, to form a sub-assembly. An outsole is molded with the sub-assembly to form an outsole body underlying the welt member and a central portion of the insole, and a surrounding seal wall extending uprightly to surround completely the welt member and sealingly abutting against the upper to provide a good waterproofing effect.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper portion, and an energy storage system. The upper portion includes a shell for enclosing a user's foot therein. The energy storage system extends between the upper portion and the sole and converts impact forces generated by the user at the heel portion of the shell into propulsion forces to thereby enhance the user's performance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fixing and/or assembling device comprising two elements (A, B) having respectively teeth (2) and orifices (5) designed to receive the teeth when the two elements are assembled. The teeth (2) are made of elastically flexible material and are deformed in the orifices (5) when the two elements are assembled so as to ensure that the two elements (A, B) are maintained together, said teeth recovering their shape when the two elements (A, B) are separated.

Abstract: A new and improved footwear the entire appearance simulates the appearance of a reptile preferably a shameleon reptile. The footwear can be a slipper, preferably a children's slipper, having a stuffed body adapted to simulate the appearance of a chameleon reptile. The outer surface of the slipper body is covered with a green skin simulating imbricating reptile plates having an open protruding reptile mouth embracing a retractable tongue. An inner horizontal air pad sole cushions the child's foot and controls the expansion and deflating of the reptile tongue and activates a foot switch of a battery powered electric system which controls a pair of opposing reflector eye lamps.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole (1) includes receptacles (2) for specifically-oriented studs (5). The outsole (1) also includes traction elements (7) formed integrally with the outsole (1). The studs (5) and traction elements (7) being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements (7) are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud (5).

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle combination for specifically oriented studs, the shoe stud (1) including a ground-engaging part (4). The stud (1) and receptacle (2) are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot (5) on one of the components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component. A locking means (7) of the components is arranged to become interengaged at least when the spigot (5) is fully inserted into the socket (22) to resist unscrewing of the components. The locking means (7) comprises at least one locking assembly (8), the arrangement is such that the relative number and/or position of the threads of the threaded connection and the locking assemblies (8) determine the initial and final positions of the stud (1) relative to the receptacle (2).

Abstract: In a shoe, an apparatus for the support of a foot, comprising a semi rigid piece of metal or plastic extending from the heel to the ball of the foot, disposed over the inner sole of the shoe, and a screw operable from the exterior of the heel to raise or lower the semi rigid piece.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder construction having a feature thereon facilitating operative connection with a service kit to enable a quick and injury free removal thereof from a location whereat the hydraulic cylinder is spring biased in a shock absorber installation, particularly for use in a scraper blade mounting assembly.

Abstract: A shovel has an articulated shovel blade for pivoting movement relative to a wheeled carriage on which the blade is mounted. The shovel blade is adjustably locked in position at different angles relative to the direction of travel of the carriage, for pushing snow or other material to the side of the shovel as it travels across the ground. The carriage is pushed forward using a handle or a motor is provided for self-propelling the carriage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for carbide edge snowplow and grader blades that are durable and fracture resistant. The carbide along the blade edge and blade bottom which contacts the surface being treated is designed to limit the degree of fracture of the carbide. Carbide inserts along the edge and/or bottom are separated from each other by a steel alloy spacer/shim along the width of the blade. The spacer/shim reduces the potential for impact damage cracks that form in a carbide insert from propagating into adjacent inserts along the width of the blade. In one embodiment, the improved blade edge comprises an edge body having a lower edge with a recess and separate slot in the bottom surface of the edge. Within the blade recess and blade slot are positioned carbide block/bar inserts separated by spacer means made from a ductile material.

Abstract: An iron comprising a main body provided with a handle portion and an additional metallic plate removably associated with said main body on the opposite side to said handle portion. The iron can further comprise its own plate integrally associated with the main body on the opposite side to said handle portion. In such a case, the additional plate is removably associated with the iron's own plate on the opposite side to the main body. The provision of a removable additional plate allows a specialisation of the iron, since it is possible to use a specific plate for a specific task: for example, a larger plate for ironing large surfaces, such as sheets or tablecloths.

Abstract: A business card comprises a super hero template with a facial caricature of the entity whose business card it is on one side of the card. The opposite side comprises information about the entity as well as game information and the like. The card may be used as a collectable card, a business card, or part of a game.

Abstract: A self-adhesive greeting card includes a card body folded into two sections, one of the sections being formed with a semi-circular perforated line and a pressed line joining two ends of the semi-circular perforated line to form a semi-circular tab, and a double-sided adhesive fastener having one side attached to one side of the semi-circular tab and another side provided with a cover, whereby the greeting card can be readily attached to anywhere as desired.

Abstract: A method of using an apparatus for identifying keys of a type that has a plurality of tags with adhesive on one side thereof for permitting attachment to a key. The tags are distinguishable from each other by a combination of color and shape. A reference sheet is also provided which has a plurality of indicia thereon, each respective indicia being of a color and shape to match the color and shape of the tags. The reference sheet has a space beside each one of the colored indicia for permitting an identification of an object to be placed in this respective space. This permits the respective colored indicia to be matched to a respective tag attached to a key thereby matching the key with the object to be locked or unlocked.